Split seal assembly and method

ABSTRACT

A split mechanical end face seal assembly has a split gland plate assembly, a split mating seal ring assembly, a split primary seal ring assembly and a split biasing assembly. The segmented mating seal ring is axially and radially supported on the segmented mating ring adapter by resilient connector strips as pre-assembled sub-assemblies and the resilient connector strips axially non-rigidly support the mating seal ring within said mating ring adapter assembly. An axially movable primary sealing ring assembly includes a segmented primary seal ring. The biasing assembly is pre-assembled into the gland plate assembly and urges the primary seal ring into sealing relation with the mating seal ring. A method of installation includes resilient axial and radial support of the mating seal ring segments in mating ring adapter segments by the resilient connector strip for installation as a pre-assembled sub-assembly. It further includes pre-assembly of semi-circular shaped biasing ring segments into segments of the gland plate assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to Title 35 USC §119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/313,975, filed Mar. 15, 2010,entitled “Split Seal Arrangement” which is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to sealing arrangements for rotatingequipment. More particularly, it relates to a split mechanical end faceseal assembly to retain fluid from passing between a housing and arotating shaft and to the method of installation of the split mechanicalend face seal assembly between the housing and the rotatable shaft.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical end face seal assemblies for sealing rotating shafts such asthose found, for example, between the impeller shaft and the housing ofa pump, are known. In some applications, such seal assemblies areinstalled, replaced, and serviced in the field where the free end of therotatable shaft is not accessible, for example, because it is connectedto a motor or another prime mover operating the rotatable shaft.

To enable the installation, service, or replacement of sealingcomponents in these environments, fully split mechanical end face sealarrangements have been created. These fully split mechanical end faceseal arrangements typically include two split, relatively rotating, sealface defining rings. The rings have sliding radial faces arranged infacing, sealing relation. One of the rings, typically axiallystationary, is referred to as the mating ring. It may be connected tothe rotating shaft and configured to rotate with it. The second ring,which is axially movable, commonly referred to as the primary ring, maybe contained in a stationary housing in the form of a gland platesurrounding the shaft where it exits the housing. The two rings arebrought into contact with one another by an axial preload component toprovide a sliding seal between the relatively rotating faces. The matingand primary seal rings as well as all associated surrounding andsupporting components are split, typically in a diametrical fashion, toenable installation around the rotatable shaft without the need foraccess to the free end of the shaft.

Examples of known fully split seal configurations can be seen in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,662,340; 5,961,122; 6,485,023 and others. Such seals includesplit seal face defining rings in semi-circular segments, associatedsemi-circular carriers for the primary and mating rings, secondaryseals, usually elastomeric rings or strips between the rings andcarriers, and a preloading element of semi-circular segments whichaxially urges the primary ring into facing sealing relation with theaxially stationary mating ring. The seal components are disposed withina gland plate secured to the housing in surrounding relation to theshaft and provide the fluid sealing function.

The components including the mating and primary seal face defining ringsare diametrically split into halves or segments. The seal face definingring halves are typically preassembled into carriers, sometimes referredto as adapters, that retain the face defining ring segments until theseal arrangement is installed and secured to the rotatable shaft and tothe housing. Commonly, pins, connected to the carriers, prevent the ringhalves from falling out of the associated carrier before, and duringinstallation and completion of the assembly process.

Even though the above-mentioned examples of split seal assemblies areeffective in providing a seal arrangement that can be assembled around ashaft without access to the free end of the shaft they suffer fromcertain important drawbacks. One such drawback is the need for the useof adhesive to retain the various resilient elastomeric seal elements inplace prior to completion of installation and assembly of the splitmechanical end face seal assembly between a housing and shaft. Anotheris the inability of the installer to visually inspect the face contactbetween the two face defining seal rings during installation. Theincorporation of the seal ring halves into cartridges results in thesealing engagement of the ring seals being concealed from view duringinstallation.

Additionally, the known designs rely on the proper, final positioning ofeach seal ring segment relative to the assembled cartridge to occurduring installation as the cartridges are placed around the rotatableshaft and the two halves joined together. While the proper positioningof the rings under such conditions is typically likely, any intrusion ofdebris between the seal ring segment and its cartridge that goesunnoticed by the installer may cause misalignments in the finished sealassembly, which may affect performance and durability.

It is also the case in existing split mechanical end face sealassemblies having pre-assembled components such as mating ring carriersegments with attached mating ring segments and primary ring carriersegments with attached primary ring segments in which the seal ringsegments are rigidly supported within their respective carriers. Thus,the advantages derived from axial non-rigid support of the seal facedefining segments are not attainable.

SUMMARY

The split mechanical end face seal assembly of the present disclosureprovides an arrangement in which the shortcomings of the known seals areovercome. The disclosed split mechanical end face seal assembly includesa pre-assembled mating ring assembly in which a resilient connectorstrip resiliently retains each segment of the mating seal ring relativeto its associated carrier providing axial and radial support prior toinstallation. The resilient connector strip provides axial non-rigidsupport for the mating seal ring within the assembled mechanism.Moreover, the primary ring segments are separately assembled about therotatable shaft without a separate carrier element to enable the visualinspection by the installer of the interface with the mating ring. Inthis way, alignment issues associated with a blind installation areavoided. Moreover, no adhesive is used, or necessary, to affixpreassembled components in the split mechanical end face seal assemblyof the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a split mechanical end face sealassembly in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view, from an outboard perspective, of the splitmechanical end face seal assembly shown in FIG. 1 installed between ahousing and shaft.

FIG. 3 is a partial view, in cross section, of the split mechanical endface seal assembly shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 a is a revolved fragmentary cross-sectional side view of aportion of the apparatus of FIG. 3, taken along the line 3 a-3 a of FIG.12 showing particular details of the biasing assembly.

FIG. 3 b is a revolved fragmentary cross-sectional side sectional viewof a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 3, taken along the line 3 b-3 b ofFIG. 12 showing other particular details of the biasing assembly.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded cross sectional view, on an enlargedscale, of a portion of the mating ring adapter assembly, mating sealring and resilient connector strip in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view, on an enlarged scale, ofthe components shown in FIG. 4 in an assembled condition.

FIG. 6 is a plan view, partially broken away, of the mating ring adapterassembly from an outboard perspective in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cutaway perspective view of a mating ring assembly andprimary ring assembly of the split mechanical end face seal of thedisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a plan view, partially in section, of a primary ring assemblyfrom an outboard perspective in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of the primary ring assembly of FIG. 9 takenalong the line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partially broken away plan view of a gland plate segmentfrom an inboard perspective in accordance with the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an end view of a gland plate segment in accordance with thedisclosure.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the biasing ring segments of the splitmechanical end face seal assembly of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a partial plan view of the gland plate assembly of thedisclosure from an inboard perspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The split mechanical end face seal assembly generally designated 90, isillustrative of, and embodies features, advances and advantages of thepresent disclosure. A breakaway perspective view of the split mechanicalend face seal assembly 90 is shown in FIG. 1, a front view, from anoutboard perspective, is shown in FIG. 2 and a partial side sectionalview is shown in FIG. 3. Specific configurations and relationships ofthe assembly components are shown for further clarity in the additionalfigures.

As illustrated, split mechanical end face seal assembly 90 is installedto provide a fluid tight seal for a rotatable shaft 91 extending througha housing 92 at outboard face 93. The housing 92 may comprise a pumphaving a rotatable impeller (not shown) to pressurize a liquid withinthe housing. In this disclosure, the term inboard means toward interiorof the housing and outboard means toward the exterior of the housing.Similarly, inner, or inward means radially toward the longitudinalcenterline of the seal assembly and outer, or outward means radiallyaway from the longitudinal centerline.

It is also important to recognize that throughout the descriptioncomponents described as annular, or identified as rings, are actuallysplit along a diametric line and are formed of two semi-circularsegments. Similarly, certain elastomeric components may be described asrings but are actually linear segments with abutting ends and curvedinto semi-circular shape to cooperatively form a circular seal ringconfiguration.

The split mechanical end face seal assembly 90 includes a gland plateassembly 100, a mating ring assembly 200, a primary ring assembly 300and a biasing assembly 400. As seen in FIG. 3, gland plate assembly 100is secured along its inboard face 107 to outboard face 93 of the housing92 surrounding shaft 91. Gland plate assembly 100 defines an annularseal chamber 94 surrounding the shaft 91 within which the components ofthe assembled seal operate.

The gland plate assembly 100 includes a gland plate segments 110 splitwith facing transverse ends 109 that abut at an interface. Segments 110each include flange portion 112 and a body portion 114. One of thesegments 110 includes a milled step 108 adjacent transverse ends 109.Best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, that segment 110 includes threaded holeswith unthreaded counter bores 105 open at each transverse end 109. Theother one of gland plate segments 110 include threaded holes 106 alignedwith the counterbores 105 when the segments 110 are positioned withtransverse ends 109 in abutment. Securement bolts 135, with unthreadedshanks 137 are threaded through the holes of the first segment. Thebolts 135 reside with the threaded ends in the unthreaded counterbores105 until used to connect the gland plate segments 110 together. Theyare then threaded into the aligned threaded holes 106 in the othersegment 110 to secure the segments together to form the gland plateassembly 110. A dowel pin 131, seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, is secured inone transverse end 109 of each gland plate segment 110. It engages amating hole in the transverse end 109 of the other gland plate segment110 to assure alignment of the segments.

The flange portion 112 of each gland plate segment 110 has slots 116through which bolts 139 or other fasteners extend to connect the splitmechanical end face seal assembly 90 to the housing 92 at mounting face93. The inboard face 107 of body portion 114 of each gland plate segment110 includes a semi-circular sealing groove 117 which receives an O-ringshaped elastomeric sealing strip 119 which is compressed into fluidtight contact with outboard mounting face 93 of housing 92. Notablysemi-circular sealing groove 117 has a tapered cross-section such thatits opening is somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of the O-ringtype sealing strip 119. This relationship causes the strip 119 to beretained within the groove 117.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 11, a semi-circular seal ring groove 124 in bodyportion 114 of each gland plate segment 110 is open to the seal chamber94. An O-ring shaped elastomeric sealing strip 126 is provided in groove124. Sealing strip 126 provides the secondary seal between axiallymoveable primary ring assembly 300 and gland plate assembly 100 as willbe explained. As in the instance of the groove 117, the entrance intogroove 124 is smaller than the diameter of O-ring shaped sealing strip126 to retain the strip within groove 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, O-ring type sealing strip 119 is somewhatlonger than the semi-circular extent of groove 117. The extending endsare compressed together on joinder of the gland plate segments 110. Thestrip 126 is somewhat longer than the semi-circular extent of groove124. The extending ends are compressed together on joinder of the glandplate segments 110 to form a fluid tight seal.

Notably, as shown in FIG. 11, one transverse end 109 of each gland platesegment 110 is provided with a resilient seal element 140 in anappropriately formed groove. It may be molded as an integral part ofelastomeric sealing strip 119, elastomeric sealing strip 126, or both.One such seal element 140 is provided in each segment 110 on onetransverse face. On connection of segments 110, it seals against theopposing face of the transverse end 109 of the other segment.

Body portions 114 of gland plate segments 110 define a biasing chamberportion 127 of the seal chamber 94 which contains biasing assembly 400.A radial annular wall 128 defines the outboard extent of the gland platesegments 110. With segments 110 assembled together, radial annular wall128 defines an inboard facing, radial annular, inboard facing reactionsurface 129 against which biasing assembly 400 acts to urge primary ringassembly 300 toward mating ring assembly 200.

Biasing chamber portion 127 includes axial cylindrical wall 130extending between radial annular wall 128 and radial annular ledge 132spaced outboard from semi-circular seal ring groove 124. This ledgeprovides a radial abutment surface 133 against which biasing assembly400 is urged prior to completion of installation of gland plate assembly100 onto outboard mounting face 93 of housing 92.

Radial wall 128 of each segment 110 includes two holes 125 seen in FIGS.3 a and 10 each positioned on a radial line about thirty degrees (30°)from a transverse end 109. In a completely assembled split mechanicalend face seal assembly 90 holes 125 cooperate with elements of thebiasing assembly 400 to resist rotation of the primary ring assembly300.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3 and in particular to FIGS. 6 and 7,mating ring assembly 200 is secured for rotation with the shaft 91. Itincludes diametrically split seal face defining mating seal ring 230resiliently, or axially non-rigidly supported within mating ring carrieror adapter assembly 250 upon resilient connector strip 240. The facedefining seal ring segments may be made of silicon carbide or ceramic,depending on the particular sealing application.

Mating seal ring 230 is sized to freely surround the shaft 91 and isfractured into two-semi-circular segments with radial ends engaged alonginterface 234. The joined ring segments form an outboard facingcontinuous radial annular sealing face 236. On the opposite, inboardradial face 237, each of the segments of mating seal ring 230 includesradial slot 238, best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6. It is located midwaybetween engaged ends at interface 234.

Best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, mating seal ring 230 includes an outwardaxial cylindrical surface 242. It further defines an inboard facingradial annular surface 243 and an outermost axial cylindrical surface244. Outward axial cylindrical surface 242 is joined to inboard facingradial annular surface 243 by an outboard directed radial capture groove245. An inward directed axial capture groove 246 extends radially inwardfrom outward axial cylindrical surface 242 inboard from outboarddirected radial capture groove 245.

Mating ring carrier or adapter assembly 250 is a metal support componentthat houses the segmented mating seal ring 230. It is formed ofsemi-circular segments 251 with transverse ends 252. As best seen inFIG. 6, one of the mating ring adapter segments 251 includes a milledstep 253 adjacent transverse ends 252. That segment 251 includes athreaded hole with an unthreaded counterbore 254 open at each transverseend 252. The other mating ring adapter segment includes a threaded hole255 aligned with the counterbores 254 when the segments 251 arepositioned with transverse ends 252 in abutment. A securement bolt 235with unthreaded shank 239 is threaded through the holes of the segment251 having unthreaded counterbores 254. The threaded ends of the boltsreside in the unthreaded counterbores 254 until used to connect themating ring adapter segments 251 together. They are then threaded intothe aligned threaded holes 255 in the other segment 230 to secure thesegments together to form a unitary mating ring adapter assembly 250. Adowel pin 231, seen in FIG. 1, secured in one transverse facing end 252of each mating ring adapter segment 251 engages a mating hole in thetransverse facing end 252 of the other mating ring adapter segment 251to assure alignment of the segments.

When so joined, mating ring adapter assembly 250 is generally annularand defines an inner bore 256 closely sized to the outer diameter ofshaft 91. Each mating ring adapter segment 251 includes radial threadedholes with set screws 257 to secure the mating ring adapter assembly 250to the shaft 91 for rotation with the shaft. Each mating ring adaptersegment 251 includes radial groove 258 at inner bore 256. An O-ringshaped elastomeric seal strip 259 in seal groove 258 provides a fluidtight relationship with the outer surface of shaft 91. The groove 258has a tapered cross-section similar to the groove 117 of gland platesegments 110 to retain seal strip 259 in place. That is, its opening issomewhat smaller than the outer diameter of the strip 259. The strip 259is also somewhat longer than the semi-circular extent of the groove 258in each segment 251 of mating ring adapter assembly 250. The extendingends are compressed together on joinder of the segments 251 with bolts235 to form a fluid tight seal.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the interface 234 between transverse ends 252of mating ring adapter segments 251 is provided with a resilientelastomeric seal element 290. One such seal element 290 is provided ineach segment 230 on one facing transverse end 252 in an appropriatelyformed groove. It may be molded as an integral part of elastomericsealing strip 259, resilient connector strip 240 or both. On connectionof the segments 230, it seals against the opposing facing transverse end252 of the other mating ring adapter segment 251.

Mating ring adapter assembly 250 defines an outboard facing counterborethat receives mating seal ring 230 in an axially non-rigid supportingrelation. It includes outboard facing radial wall 274. Best seen inFIGS. 1 and 6 to 8, an axial pin 272 extends in the outboard directionfrom radial wall 274. Each axial pin 272 is disposed in a radial slot238 in a segment of mating seal ring 230 and provides driving engagementbetween mating ring adapter assembly 250 and mating seal ring 230. Theaxial pin 272 is positioned midway between transverse facing ends 252 ofeach segment 251 of mating ring adapter assembly 250. Thus, each segmentof mating seal ring 230 engages with a pin 272 of a segment of matingring adapter assembly 250. Notably the radial slots 238 aresubstantially longer, in the radial direction, than the diameter ofaxial pin 272 providing ample clearance in the radial direction. Pins272 thus engage the segments of mating seal ring 230 only along radialsidewalls of the slots 238.

Mating ring adapter segments 251 each include a semi-circular retentiongroove 280 to contain resilient connector strip 240. Best seen in FIGS.3 to 5, the retention groove 280 is formed in mating ring adaptersegments 251 radially outward of the outboard facing counter bore thatreceives mating seal ring 230. Thus, resilient connector strip 240resides radially outward of radial outward axial cylindrical surface 242of mating seal ring 230.

Referring to FIG. 4, the retention groove 280 is defined by outboardfacing radial annular wall 282 and axially extending semi-cylindricalwall 284 joined at radiused corner 283. The outboard end of retentiongroove 280 at axially extending semi-cylindrical wall 284 includes aoutboard notch 286 defined by semi-circular shoulder 288.

The individual segments of mating seal ring 230 each reside within theoutboard facing mating ring counterbore defined by a segment 251 of themating ring adapter assembly 250 with the fractured ends of the segmentsof mating seal ring 230 aligned with the transverse facing ends 252 ofthe mating ring adapter segments 251. The outboard axial cylindricalsurface 242 and outermost axial cylindrical surface 244 of mating sealring 230 are sized to provide a slight clearance relative to theoutboard facing mating ring counterbore such that each segment of matingseal ring 230 is axially non-rigidly supported within each mating ringadapter segment 251 by resilient connector strip 240. Moreover, eachsegment of mating seal ring 230 is resiliently axially and radiallysupported in its associated mating ring adapter segment 251 as apre-assembled sub-assembly by resilient connector strip 240.

Primary seal ring assembly 300 is best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. Itincludes primary seal ring 330 sized to freely surround shaft 91. It isfractured into two-semi-circular segments with radial ends engaged alongan interface 334. The joined segments form an inboard facing continuousradial annular sealing face 336. The opposite outboard annular face 337each of the segments of primary seal ring 330 includes a radial slot 338with a chamfer 339 at its radially outward end. It is located midwaybetween engaged ends at interface 334.

The segments of primary seal ring 330 define a radially outer axiallyextending cylindrical seal surface 340. It provides a surface forsliding sealing engagement of O-ring shaped sealing strip 126 on glandplate assembly 100 to centrally support primary ring assembly 300 aboutshaft 91. The face defining ring segments of primary seal ring 330 maybe made of silicon carbide or carbon depending on the particular sealingapplication. Ceramic material for mating seal ring 230 and carbonmaterials for primary seal ring 330 is a combination particularlysuitable for dry running applications such as in mixer vessels.

A radially inward groove 342 surrounds primary seal ring 330 at theinboard end of cylindrical seal surface 340. As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9,primary seal ring assembly 300 includes a retainer ring 350 thatreleasably secures the segments of primary seal ring 330 together in anannular configuration. It is generally semi-circular, but forms asegment of a circle somewhat larger than a semi-circle. That is, itsends 352 are spaced closer together than the inner diameter of groove342. Ends 352 of retainer ring 350 are shaped with inner edges thatextend outward. This shape facilitates insertion of retaining ring 350within radial groove 342 to secure together the segments of primary sealring 330.

Shown in FIGS. 3, 12 and 13, biasing assembly 400 resides in biasingchamber portion 127 of the body portion 114 of gland plate assembly 100.With the split mechanical end face seal assembly 90 in place betweenhousing 92 and shaft 91 it provides an axial force upon primary sealring 330 urging inboard facing radial annular seal face 336 intorelatively rotating sealing relation with outboard facing radial annularseal face 236 of mating seal ring 230.

Referring, in particular, to FIGS. 12 and 13, biasing assembly 400includes a pair of generally semi-circular shaped biasing ring segments430 formed with transverse ends 432. Each biasing ring segments 430 eachinclude an outer axial surface 431 formed on a radius slightly smallerthan axial cylindrical wall 130 of annular biasing chamber portion 127of gland plate assembly 100.

As seen in FIG. 12, the biasing ring segments 430 are somewhat truncatedand the transverse ends 432 are spaced a distance designated “P” in FIG.12 from an imaginary transverse centerline “C” of the circle formed bythe outer axial surface 431 of the biasing ring segments 430 in theirassembled condition within biasing chamber portion 127 of body portion114 of each gland plate segment 110.

Biasing ring segments 430 include an outboard facing radial wall 436that faces radial annular inboard facing reaction surface 129 of radialannular wall 128, and an inboard facing radial wall 437. The axialspacing between radial annular wall 128 of biasing chamber 127 and ledge132 is greater than the axial extent of biasing ring segments 430between inboard facing radial wall 437 and outboard facing radial wall436. Biasing ring segments 430 are therefore axially moveable withinbiasing chamber 127.

Each biasing ring segment 430 includes a plurality of spring pockets 438seen in FIGS. 3 b and 12, open toward reaction surface 129 of radialannular wall 128. A plurality of axial compression coil springs 440 eachextend between the bottoms of spring pockets 438 and reaction surface129 urging inboard facing radial wall 437 of each biasing ring segment430 into abutting relation with radial abutment surface 133 of annularledge 132.

As best seen in FIG. 3 a, two retention pins 444 extend outboard ofoutboard facing radial wall 436 of each biasing ring segment 430. Pins444 are slidably disposed within holes 125 of radial annular wall 128body portion 114 of gland plate segments 110 to support the biasing ringsegments 430 within the associated gland plate segment 110 of glandplate assembly 100. The pins 444 and holes 125 are positioned such thateach biasing ring segment 430 is supported within the biasing chamberportion 127 with the outer axial surface 431 closely spaced to the axialcylindrical wall 130 of the biasing chamber 127.

The transverse ends 432 of each of the biasing ring segments 430 aregenerally parallel to the interface of the transverse ends 109 of thegland plate segments 110. In this relationship, the biasing ringsegments 430 are positioned such that the axial force of compressioncoil springs 440 urges inboard facing radial wall 437 into abuttingfacing relation with radial abutment surface 133 of radial annular ledge132 within biasing chamber portion 127 of seal chamber 127 defined bygland plate assembly 100. In this condition, the biasing ring segments430 are each retained within one of the gland plate segments 110 forminga pre-assembled sub-assembly for installation of the split mechanicalend face seal assembly 90.

Because of the relative diameter defined by the outer axial surface 431of a biasing ring segment 430 and the opening defined by radial annularledge 132 as well as the position of retention pins 444 relative toholes 125 in radial annular wall 128 of gland plate segments 110,assembly of a biasing ring segment 430 into a gland plate segment 110requires that the ends 432 of the biasing ring segment 430 be tiltedtoward radial annular inboard facing reaction surface 129 in biasingchamber portion 127 in order to engage pins 444 in holes 125 in radialannular wall 128 and insert inboard facing radial wall 437 behind radialannular ledge 132. Once so installed, the axial force of compressioncoil springs 440 retains each biasing ring segment 430 within chamberportion 127 of the biasing ring segment 430 as a pre-assembledinstallation component. Notably, the truncated ends 432 permit tiltingsuch that outer axial surface 431 of the biasing ring segment 430 clearsledge 132 as the outboard ends of pins 444 enter holes 125 in radialannular wall 128.

The inboard facing radial wall 437 of each biasing ring segment 430includes an axial pin 448 positioned midway between transverse ends 432.As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the fully assembled condition of the splitmechanical end face seal assembly 90, the pin 448 of each segmentresides in the radial slot 338 of one of the segments of the primaryseal ring 330 rendering the primary seal ring 330 non-rotatable relativeto its associated biasing ring segment 430.

Each biasing ring segment 430 is fixed against rotation relative togland plate assembly 100 by the disposition of retention pins 444 withinholes 125 in radial wall 128 of body portion 114 of each gland platesegment 110. Notably, the holes 125 are sized to permit the pins 444 toslide freely permitting axial compression of springs 440 through inboardaxial movement of gland plate assembly 100 toward outboard face 93 ofhousing 92 during installation of the split mechanical end face sealassembly 90 between housing 92 and shaft 91. Such axial movement occurson engagement of inboard facing radial wall 437 with outboard radialannular face 337 of primary seal ring 330.

During installation of the split mechanical end face seal assembly 90,the axial position of mating seal ring sealing face 236 is set at apredetermined position relative to outboard face 93 of housing 92 andmating ring adapter assembly 250 secured to shaft 91. Primary seal ringsealing face 336 is placed in abutting engagement with mating ringsealing face 236. The gland plate segments 110, with biasing ringsegments installed, are placed around primary seal ring assembly 300.Securement of bolts 139 causes axial movement of gland plate assembly100 toward outboard face 93 of housing 92. Inboard facing radial wall437 of biasing ring segments 430 separates from radial abutment surface133 compressing coil springs 440. Such compression provides the desiredaxial preload urging primary seal ring sealing face 336 into sealingrelation with sealing face 236 of mating seal ring 230.

Turning now, in particular, to FIGS. 4 and 5 details are described ofthe resilient connector strips 240 and the resilient axial and radialsupport of the segments of mating seal ring 230 to its associated matingring adapter segment 251. Such connection provides the axial non-rigidsupport of mating seal ring 230 within the outboard facing counterboreof mating ring adapter assembly 250. As can be appreciated, each matingring adapter segment 251 includes a retention groove 280 in which isdisposed a section of resilient connector strip 240. The retentiongroove 280 and similarly, connector strip 240, extend in a semi-circularshape between transverse facing ends 252 of mating ring adapter segments251. The strip 240 is somewhat longer than the semi-circular extent ofthe groove. Hence, the ends of the strip 240 in each segment extendbeyond the transverse facing ends 252. On securement together of themating ring adapter segments 251, these ends abut and deform to form afluid tight joint at the transverse facing ends 252 of segments 251 ofmating ring adapter assembly segments 250.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, each resilient connector strip 240 isgenerally rectangular in cross-section. It includes an inboard radialannular face 260, an outboard radial annular face 264, an inward axialsurface 266 and an outward axial surface 268. The flexibility isprovided by the material of the resilient connector strip 240, which isselected to be elastically resilient. Appropriate types of material arealso selected based on their resistance to the operating fluid of theseal environment, and can include elastomeric materials such as ethylenepropylene (EPDM), fluorocarbon polymers and the like.

The inboard radial annular face 260 and the outward axial surface 268join at a smooth radius 270. The inboard radial annular face 260 and theinward axial surface 266 are joined by an inward directed bead 262 thatextends radially inward from inward axial surface 266. Bead 262 has agenerally semi-circular cross-section.

The inward axial surface 266 and outboard radial annular face 264 arejoined by an axial outboard extending bead 267 that extends axiallyoutboard from outboard radial annular face 264. Bead 267 has a generallysemi-circular cross-section.

Outboard radial annular face 264 and outward axial surface 268 arejoined by an outboard directed rib 269 that extends outboard of outboardradial annular face 264.

One resilient connector strip 240 is connected to each mating ringadapter segment 251 within its semi-circular retention groove 280. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, inboard radial annular face 260 resides againstoutboard facing radial annular wall 282 of mating ring adapter segment251. Outward axial surface 268 resides against axially extendingsemi-cylindrical wall 284, with outboard directed rib 269 of resilientconnector strip 240 captured within outboard notch 286 defined byshoulder 288 of mating ring adapter segment 251. The resilient connectorstrip 240 is sized such that it is somewhat compressed between theshoulder 288 and outboard facing radial annular wall 282. Thisrelationship is adequate to provide a holding force sufficient to retainthe resilient connector strip 240 within the retention groove 280.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, each resilient connector strip 240 is alsoresiliently attached to a segment of mating seal ring 230. Thus, eachsegment of mating seal ring 230 is axially and radially supported upon amating ring adapter segment 251, with the interface 234 of mating sealring 230 aligned with the transverse facing ends 252 of the associatedmating ring adapter segment 251. Together the segments of mating sealring 230 and associated segment 251 of mating ring adapter assembly 250form installable sub-assemblies for installation. Once so installedabout shaft 91, the resilient connector strips 240 provides axialnon-rigid support for mating ring 230 within mating ring adapterassembly 250.

Resilient connector strip 240 is resiliently attached to mating sealring 230 at radial outward axial cylindrical surface 242. The inwardaxial surface 266 of a resilient connector strip 240 rests on outwardaxial cylindrical surface 242 of a segment of mating seal ring 230.Outboard radial annular surface 264 of resilient connector strip 240rests against inboard facing radial annular surface 243 of mating sealring 230. Radially inward directed bead 262 of resilient connector strip240 resides in inward directed axial capture groove 246 and axiallyoutboard directed bead 267 resides in outboard directed radial capturegroove 245. The resilient connector strip 240 is sized such that it issomewhat compressed between radial annular inboard facing surface 243and the radially inward directed bead 262 disposed in radially inwarddirected axial capture groove 246. This relationship is adequate toprovide a holding force sufficient to attach the resilient connectorstrip 240 to a segment of mating seal ring 230 at radially outward axialcylindrical surface 242. Each resilient connector strip 240 thusresiliently supports a segment of mating seal ring 230 within itsassociated mating ring adapter segment 251 and against accidentaldislodgement prior to attachment of the mating ring assembly 200 torotatable shaft 91. No adhesive is necessary to adhere the resilientconnector strip 240 to the mating seal ring 230 or the segments 251 ofmating ring adapter assembly 250.

It should be mentioned that the particular locations of the extendingbeads 262, 267 and rib 269 of resilient connector strip 240, thecooperating receptacles for these contours defined on the segments ofmating seal ring 230 and mating ring adapter segments 251 are onlyillustrative and not limiting. These interconnection elements could bepositioned elsewhere, for example, along the exterior defining surfaces260, 264, 266 or 268 of resilient connector strip 240 with correspondingrelocation of the cooperating elements of the mating seal ring 230 andmating ring adapter segments 251. The disclosed arrangement, in itsbroadest sense, is a resilient connector strip 240 resiliently affixedto a mating ring adapter segment 251 and a segment of mating seal ring230 to secure the mating seal ring 230 against radial or axialdislodgement.

The split mechanical end face seal assembly 90 of the present disclosuremay be installed between a housing 92 and a rotatable shaft 91 withoutaccess to the shaft end. It is particularly useful, therefore, ininstallations where the shaft is connected to a prime mover that cannotbe conveniently removed. The installation process is simplified, andcomplete and proper installation assured by virtue of the variousfeatures of the split mechanical end face seal assembly 90 of thedisclosure.

In particular, all resilient components, that is, the various resilientelastomeric sealing strips that perform a secondary sealing function areaffixed in position on an associated component without the use ofadhesives to provide a temporary connection. The securement bolts 235for assembly of mating ring adapter segments 251 to form the mating ringadapter assembly 250 are carried by one mating ring adapter segment 251with threaded ends resident in unthreaded counterbores 254. At assemblythese bolts are threaded into threaded holes 255 of the other matingring adapter segment 251. Thus, the bolts 235 are presented in onemating ring segment 251 for affixation to the other simplifying theassembly task.

Similarly, the securement bolts 135 of the gland plate assembly 100 areloosely secured to the transverse ends 109 of one gland plate segment110 with threaded ends resident in unthreaded counterbores 105. Onassembly, implementation access is necessary to only the gland platesegment 110 carrying the bolts 135 in order to fasten the bolts to thethreaded holes 106 at the transverse ends 109 in the other gland platesegment 110.

A segment of mating seal ring 230 is resiliently retained, supportedaxially and radially, within the outboard facing counterbore of eachmating ring adapter segment 251. Axial pin 272 of each segment 251 isdisposed in a slot 238 of a segment of mating seal ring 230.

The resilient connector strip 240 is resiliently secured to the matingring adapter segment 251 in retention groove or channel 280 by theinterengagement of the inboard radial annular face 260 and outboarddirected rib 269 of strip 240 with the outboard facing radial annularwall 282 and semi-circular shoulder 288 forming outboard notch 286 ofretention groove 280. The resilient connector strip 240 is resilientlysecured to the segment of mating seal ring 230 by the interengagement ofthe axially outboard directed bead 267 and radially inward directed bead262 respectively with outboard directed radial capture groove 245 andinward directed axial capture groove 246. The mating ring adaptersegment 251 and resiliently attached segment of mating seal ring 230 canreadily be handled, installed and secured to the shaft 91 as connectableunitary components. As previously described, biasing assembly 400 issimilarly configured with biasing ring segments 430 contained withinassociated segments 110 of the gland plate assembly 100.

Installation of the split mechanical end face seal assembly 90 isinitiated with attachment of mating ring assembly 200 to shaft 91. Thepre-assembled assembly of mating seal ring components comprises asegment 251 of mating ring adapter assembly 250, an elastomeric sealelement 290, elastomeric sealing strip 259, and a segment of mating sealring 230 resiliently supported on resilient connector strip 240. Thesetwo sub-assemblies are positioned about the shaft with the transverseends 252 of one segment 251 facing the transverse ends 252 of the othersegment. An appropriate spacing is established between the outboard face93 of housing 92 and the outboard facing radial annular sealing face 236of mating seal ring 230. This location may be set using disposablespacers (not shown) pre-assembled to the segments 251 of mating ringadapter assembly 250. The spacers contact outboard face 93 to set theappropriate distance. Bolts 235 of one mating ring adapter segment 251are threaded into threaded holes 255 in the other mating ring adaptersegment 251 to complete the mating ring adapter assembly 250. On suchtightening of bolts 235 resilient seal element 290 seals transversefacing ends 252 of mating ring adapter segments 251. Also O-ring shapedelastomeric sealing strips 259 are compressed into a fluid tight sealagainst the shaft 91. Set screws 257 are then tightened to secure matingring adapter assembly 250 to shaft 91.

Next, the segments of primary seal ring 230 are positioned around shaft91 with inboard facing radial annular sealing face 336 in facing contactwith the outboard radial annular sealing face 236 of mating seal ring230. Retaining ring 350 is placed in the radial inward groove 242 ofeach segment of primary seal ring 330 to hold the primary seal ringsegments together prior to installation of gland plate assembly 100.

The gland plate segments 110 with elastomeric seal elements 140 andO-ring shaped elastomeric sealing strips 126 in place are then placed inoverlying relation to the primary seal ring assembly 300 and positionedwith the inboard facing radial wall 437 of the biasing ring segments 430in facing contact with the outboard radial annular face 337 of thesegments of primary seal ring 330. Disposable plastic spacers (notshown) may be employed to center mating ring adapter assembly 250 aboutshaft 91. Also, care must be taken to insert the axial pin 448 of eachsemi-circular shaped biasing ring segment 430 into a radial slot 338 ofone of the segments of primary seal ring 330. Chamfer 339 aids in properinsertion of pin 448.

With the transverse ends 109 of one segment 110 facing the transverseends 109 of the other segment, bolts 135 carried by the first segmentare threaded into the threaded holes 106 in the other segment 110 tocomplete the gland plate assembly 100. On such tightening of bolts 135resilient seal element 140 seals transverse facing ends 109 of glandplate segments 110.

Also, the O-ring shaped elastomeric sealing strips 126 define a circularelastomeric seal with an internal diameter smaller than the outerdiameter of the radially outer axially extending semi-cylindricalsurface 340 of the segments of primary seal ring 330. Strips 126 thusprovide a secondary sealing function between radially outer axiallyextending semi-cylindrical surfaces 340 of the segments of the axiallymoveable primary seal ring 330 and the gland plate segments 110.

Bolts 139 are inserted in slots 116 of the flange portion of gland platesegments 110. Tightening of bolts 139 causes inboard axial movement ofgland plate assembly 100. As the gland plate assembly 100 moves axiallyinboard, radial annular wall 128 of the outboard end of the gland plateassembly 100 moves toward outboard radial annular face 337 of primaryseal ring 330 causing compression of coil springs 440. Inboard facingradial wall 437 of semi-circular biasing ring segments 430 move awayfrom radial abutment surface 133 of radial annular ledge 132. The axialforce of compression coil springs 440 is thus imparted to the outboardradial annular face 337 of the primary seal ring 330 providing axialpreload of inboard facing radial annular sealing face 336 of primaryseal ring 330 into outboard facing radial annular sealing face 236 ofmating seal ring 230.

Tightening of bolts 139 completes the installation process. O-ringshaped elastomeric sealing strips 119 in grooves 117 of gland platesegments 110 provide a static seal against outboard face 93 of housing92. O-ring shaped elastomeric sealing strips 126 in semi-circular sealring groove 124 of gland plate segments 110 are compressed radiallyagainst the radially outer axially extending cylindrical surface 340 ofprimary ring 330 and centralize primary ring assembly 300 about shaft91.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examplesof the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated thatother implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from theforegoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereofare intended to reference the particular example being discussed at thatpoint and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope ofthe disclosure more generally.

1. A split mechanical end face seal assembly for installation between ahousing and rotatable shaft comprising: a gland plate assembly adaptedto be disposed about the shaft and secured to an outboard face of thehousing; a mating seal ring assembly adapted to be secured to arotatable shaft in pre-determined relation to the outboard face of thehousing, said mating seal ring assembly comprising: a segmented matingseal ring defining a radial annular sealing face; a mating ring adapterassembly comprising: mating ring adapter segments, resilient connectorstrips, each connected to a segment of said mating seal ring and asegment of said mating ring adapter resiliently axially and radiallysupporting each said mating seal ring segment upon a mating ring adaptersegment, an axially movable primary seal ring assembly comprising: asegmented primary seal ring defining a radial annular sealing facedisposed in face-to-face sealing relation with said radial annularsealing face of said mating seal ring; a biasing assembly urging saidprimary seal ring into face-to-face sealing relation with said matingseal ring.
 2. A split mechanical end face seal assembly as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said resilient connector strips axially non-rigidlysupport said mating ring within said mating ring adapter assembly.
 3. Asplit mechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein:said mating ring adapter segments each include a semi-circular retentiongroove; said segments of said mating seal ring each include a radialoutward axial cylindrical surface; said resilient connector strip isresiliently connected to a segment of said mating ring adapter at saidsemi-circular retention groove and to a segment of said mating seal ringat said outward axial cylindrical surface.
 4. A split mechanical endface seal assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein: said semi-circularretention groove of each said mating ring adapter segment includes: anoutboard facing radial annular wall; a semi-circular shoulder spacedaxially outboard of said outboard facing radial annular wall, and saidresilient connector strip is resiliently disposed between said outboardfacing radial annular wall and said semi-circular shoulder.
 5. A splitmechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein: eachsaid radial outward axial cylindrical surface of each said segment ofsaid mating seal ring includes a inward directed axial capture grooveextending radially inward therefrom, and an inboard facing radialannular face joined to said radial outward axial cylindrical surfaceoutboard of said inward directed axial directed capture groove, by anoutboard directed radial capture groove, and said resilient connectorstrip is resiliently disposed between said radially inward directedcapture groove and said outboard directed capture groove.
 6. A splitmechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein: eachsaid resilient connector strip includes an inboard radial annular faceand an inward axial surface joined to said inboard radial annular faceby an inward directed bead extending radially inward from said inwardaxial surface each said resilient connector strip further includes anoutboard radial annular face joined to said inward axial surface by anaxial outboard bead extending axially outboard from said outboard radialannular face, and wherein said inward directed bead of said resilientconnector strip resides in said inward directed axial capture groove ofsaid mating seal ring segment and said axial outboard bead of saidresilient connector strip resides in said outboard directed radialcapture groove.
 7. A split mechanical end face seal assembly as claimedin claim 6 wherein said semi-circular retention groove of each saidmating ring adapter segment includes an axially extendingsemi-cylindrical wall joined to said outboard facing radial annularwall, said axially extending semi-cylindrical wall forming an outboardnotch with said semi-circular shoulder and each such resilient connectorstrip includes an outward axial surface joined to said outboard radialannular face by an outboard directed rib and wherein said outboarddirected rib of said resilient connector strip is disposed in saidoutboard notch.
 8. A split mechanical end face seal assembly as claimedin claim 1 wherein said gland plate assembly includes gland platesegments defining a biasing chamber portion having an outboard radialannular wall; said biasing assembly includes a biasing ring segment ineach said biasing chamber portions of each said gland plate segment,compression springs between said outboard radial wall and said glandplate segments urging said segments toward said primary ring segments.9. A split mechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 8wherein said biasing ring segments each include an outboard facingradial wall and an inboard facing radial wall; said outboard radialannular wall of said biasing chamber portion includes an annular inboardfacing reaction surface, and a plurality of compression coil springsextending between said inboard facing reaction surface and each saidbiasing ring segment.
 10. A split mechanical end face seal assembly asclaimed in claim 9 wherein said outboard radial annular wall of eachsaid gland plate segment includes at least one hole therein, each saidbiasing ring segment has a truncated semi-circular shape with transverseends spaced apart from each other and wherein each said biasing ringsegment includes at least one outboard extending retention pin extendingoutboard of said outboard facing radial wall, said at least one pin isslidably disposed in said at least one hole in said outboard radialannular wall of said gland plate segment.
 11. A split mechanical endface seal assembly is claimed in claim 10 wherein said outboard radialannular wall of each said gland plate segment includes two holes andeach said biasing ring segment includes two outboard extending pinsextending outboard of said outboard facing radial wall each said pinslidably disposed in one of said holes in said outboard radial annularwall of said gland plate segment.
 12. A split mechanical end face sealassembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein each said segments of saidprimary seal ring includes transverse ends, and an outboard annular facehaving a radial slot therein, midway between its transverse ends, andwherein each said biasing ring segment includes an axial pin residing ina slot of one of said segments of said primary seal ring.
 13. A splitmechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein eachsaid gland plate segment defines a seal ring groove and each saidsegments of said primary seal ring include a radially outer axiallyextending semi-cylindrical surface and said gland plate assemblyincludes a resilient elastomeric sealing strip disposed in said groovein radial sealing contact with said radially outer axially extendingsemi-cylindrical surface of said primary seal ring.
 14. A splitmechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein eachsaid gland plate segment includes an annular ledge defining a radialabutment surface outboard of said seal ring groove, each said biasingring segment disposed between said radial abutment surface and saidoutboard radial annular wall of each said gland plate segment with saidinboard facing radial wall of said biasing ring segment engageable withsaid radial abutment surface.
 15. A split mechanical end face sealassembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein said gland plate assemblyincludes gland plate segments defining a biasing chamber portion havingan outboard radial annular wall; said biasing assembly includes abiasing ring segment in each said biasing chamber portions of each saidgland plate segment, compression springs between said outboard radialwall and said gland plate segments urging said segments toward saidprimary ring segments.
 16. A split mechanical end face seal assembly asclaimed in claim 15 wherein said biasing ring segments each include anoutboard facing radial wall and an inboard facing radial wall; saidoutboard radial annular wall of said biasing chamber portion includes anannular inboard facing reaction surface, and a plurality of compressioncoil springs extending between said inboard facing reaction surface andeach said biasing ring segment.
 17. A split mechanical end face sealassembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein said outboard radial annularwall of each said gland plate segment includes at least one holetherein, each said biasing ring segment has a truncated semi-circularshape with transverse ends spaced apart from each other and wherein eachsaid biasing ring segment includes at least one outboard extendingretention pin extending outboard of said outboard facing radial wall,said at least one pin is slidably disposed in said at least one hole insaid outboard radial annular wall of said gland plate segment.
 18. Asplit mechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 17 whereineach said segments of said primary seal ring includes transverse ends,and an outboard annular face having a radial slot therein, midwaybetween its transverse ends, and wherein each said biasing ring segmentincludes an axial pin residing in a slot of one of said segments of saidprimary seal ring.
 19. A split mechanical end face seal assembly asclaimed in claim 18 wherein each said gland plate segment defines a sealring groove and each said segments of said primary seal ring include aradially outer axially extending semi-cylindrical surface and said glandplate assembly includes a resilient elastomeric sealing strip disposedin said groove in radial sealing contact with said radially outeraxially extending semi-cylindrical surface of said primary seal ring.20. A split mechanical end face seal assembly as claimed in claim 19wherein each said gland plate segment includes an annular ledge defininga radial abutment surface outboard of said seal ring groove, each saidbiasing ring segment disposed between said radial abutment surface andsaid outboard radial annular wall of each said gland plate segment withsaid inboard facing radial wall of said biasing ring segment engageablewith said radial abutment surface.
 21. A method for installing a splitmechanical end face seal assembly between a rotatable shaft and ahousing, comprising: installing two mating seal ring adapter segmentsaround the rotatable shaft, each said segment having a mating seal ringsegment axially and radially resiliently mounted thereon; installing themating seal ring and mating seal adapter axially along the rotatableshaft at a predetermined axial distance from a face of the housing;installing two primary seal ring segments around the rotatable shaft toform a primary seal ring assembly; positioning the primary seal ring insealing contact with the mating seal ring; pre-assembling segments of asegmented biasing assembly into segments of a gland plate assembly;installing said gland plate segments around the primary seal ring;aligning the two gland plate segments with anti-rotation features of theprimary seal ring; fastening the two gland plate segments to one anotheraround the primary seal ring to form a gland plate assembly; andsealably connecting the gland plate to the housing by urging said glandplate assembly toward said face of said housing to apply an axialpreload of said biasing assembly to said primary ring assembly.
 22. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the axially and radially resilientengagement between the mating seal ring and the mating seal ring adaptersegments is accomplished by providing an resilient connector striptherebetween, the resilient connector strip engaging surfaces definedalong the mating seal ring adapter segments and an outer portion of themating seal ring segments.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 22 whereinsaid mating ring assembly axially non-rigidly supports said mating ringsegment in said split mechanical end face seal assembly.